COIMBATORE: A bit of adventure sport training is in the offing for anti-poaching watchers in Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR) as the forest department is all set to train them in rock climbing and rappelling techniques to facilitate easy access to specific areas inside the reserve forest that are either inaccessible or difficult to access on foot.

The decision to opt for these techniques was taken after it was found that regular patrol teams often skipped these routes altogether as they were difficult to access.

The forest department is now planning to procure rock climbing, rappelling gear and safety accessories to be provided to the anti-poaching watchers at a cost of 1lakh.

"We decided to opt for this method after we realised that our patrol teams were unable to access some of the forest areas on foot but it could be easily accessed by climbing a few metres of steep rocky surface. So instead of circumventing the hostile jungle terrain they could reach the spot by this method," said Rajiv K Srivastava, field director, ATR.

According to the officials, a GPS tracked patrol map of all routine and special patrol trips in the forests from last year is being maintained. Srivastava said that while compiling the patrol routes it was found that some areas that require the watchers to circumvent dense and treacherous routes were not frequently patrolled on foot.

"If our men can climb steep rocky edges and use ropes to slide down and access these spots then we could maintain a closer and efficient vigil at these spots also. It will be helpful for us to track the movement and behaviour of wild animals in these areas," Srivastava added.

As of now the technique is expected to be utilised in areas around Pandaravarai, Kutchi Malai, Thankachi Malai and Akka Malai. Special training and safety tips would also be provided to the anti-poachers after they are divided into two patrol teams. An initial round of training in basic climbing and rappelling techniques was provided to the men a few days ago. The forest officials are now in the process of arranging special training sessions for the anti-poachers.